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Tools of Public Engagement at Dover-Eyota Public Schools Supt. Bruce A. Klaehn. “The Soaring Eagles”. DOVER-EYOTA SCHOOL DISTRICT #533. 615 South Ave. SW Eyota, MN 55934 www.desch.org. Bruce A. Klaehn Superintendent. of Schools.
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Tools of Public EngagementatDover-Eyota Public SchoolsSupt. Bruce A. Klaehn
“The Soaring Eagles” DOVER-EYOTA SCHOOL DISTRICT #533 615 South Ave. SW Eyota, MN 55934 www.desch.org Bruce A. Klaehn Superintendent. of Schools Office Phone: (507) 545-2125 Fax: (507) 545-2349 Home Phone: (507) 545-9978 Cell: (507) 254-8262 E-mail:bruceklaehn@desch.org
About Bruce Klaehn… As superintendent of the Dover-Eyota School District over the past five years, he has helped guide the school district’s ongoing Minnesota Council for Quality Baldrige journey. With 36 years in K-12 public education as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent, he believes “insisting the school district maintain an ongoing conversation and relationship with its customers” to be one of his primary roles in the Public Engagement process. Having both parents and children in the field of education, he has lifelong exposure and ownership in the effective utilization of quality practices in education.
The Dover-Eyota Public School District “Schools and Community… …Partners for Learning.”
Dover-Eyota • Comprised of three separate residential communities. • One third (385) of the K-12 student population (1150) is open-enrolled from other districts.
Teacher Survey2006 – 2009 (Agree / Strongly Agree) • Our school district encourages feedback from parents, students and community. 96% 93% 93% 93% • I am proud to work for Dover-Eyota Public Schools. 100% 98% 94% 97%
Parent Survey2006-2009 • The school recognizes and demonstrates the importance of parent involvement. 96% 94% 87% 94% • I feel welcomed and respected when I visit my child’s school. 96% 99% 91% 90% • The staff listens and responds to parent concerns and opinions. 85% 85% 87% 81%
Public Engagementis not… • a quantitative exercise • a short term emphasis • a link on a website • the task of one person or team • optional
Public Engagementis… • a philosophy • an organizational belief • an attitude • a way of life • the responsibility of everyone • mandatory for success
Don’t Be Typical… Be Special!
We don’t see things as they are… We see things as we are. Anais Nin
Whether the topic is…-Public Engagement -Shared Decision-Making -Connection with Stakeholders...
…think“Conversation”. How do I “converse” with my targeted audience?
…think“Relationship”. How do I establish a “relationship” with my targeted audience?
Leadership Role in Public EngagementWho are/were the leaders of… - Wendy’s- Chrysler Corp.- Kentucky Fried Chicken?
Leaders… • Need to know their people • Need to listen • Need to express themselves • Need to be seen • NEED TO BE KNOWN
The Football Huddle(Shared Decision-Making) • Preparation is required • “Organized input” is valued • A decision must be made • 11 people with a common effort • Succeed or fail together
The 2008 Dover-Eyota Bond Issue Referendum • A referendum is feedback • Negative feedback is not “bad” • Every opinion/position has value • The leader establishes the attitude
Tools of EngagementSuperintendent • Regular “Eagle” Article • Express beliefs • Provide useful information • Consistent Public Appearances • In the communities • At school events • Positive Telephone / E-mail Exchanges
Tools of EngagementDistrict • Surveys • Community Service/Relationships • Website / E-mail • Newspaper – Share Information • Customer Compliment, Concern, Complaint form • Positive Relationships with other Government entities • Special Mailers / Informational Meetings
Which Pronouns are typically uttered in your organization? • We need to… • Our philosophy is… Or • They should… • … is their problem.
The route to or from the desired path … …is rarely taken at a 90o angle.